Gyrotonic.

Juliu Horvath

The Gyrotonic Expansion System is an exercise modality created by Juliu Horvath, an ethnic Hungarian born in Romania. Horvath was a swimmer and gymnast before becoming a ballet dancer with the Romanian State Opera Ballet.After a move to the United States Horvath tore his Achilles tendon and herniated a disk while in Houston, injuries that ended his dance career. Drawn to yoga since a child, Horvath began to develop his own form of yoga in an effort to rehabilitate his injuries. He sequestered himself in the Virgin Islands, and during this period of intense self-study, Horvath began to develop what was once called Yoga for Dancers and has since evolved into Gyrokinesis exercises.

GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM®

Developed by Hungarian born Juliu Horvath, the Gyrotonic Expansion system is designed to stretch and strengthen muscles simultaneously while stimulating the connective tissues in and around the joints. Regular participation in GYROTONIC® or GYROKINESIS® sessions dramatically alters body shape by producing long, lean, toned muscles.

The system is divided into two parts; Gyrotonic exercise which uses specially designed equipment such as the Pulley Tower and the Jumping Stretch Board and Gyrokinesis which is performed without equipment on a stool and the floor. Both the Gyrotonic exercises and Gyrokinesis focus on stabilising the core of the body while the spine performs circular, spiralling and rotational movements. These wave-like motions keep the spine fluid and increase mobility. The body’s architecture is realigned as movement patterns are re-educated, generating improvement in kinaesthetic awareness and symmetry.

Unlike Pilates and other conventional exercise equipment, the movements produced using the Gyrotonic Expansion System are multidimensional providing the capacity to explore and increase an individuals’ maximum range of motion. The innovative design of the Pulley Tower and Handle Unit ensure that the quality of the exercises can remain continuous and fluid throughout, removing the risk of placing undue stress on the joints. The natural circular patterns assist the transition between muscular contraction and expansion resulting in a balanced support system for the skeleton.

As with Yoga, Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis movements are all performed with synchronised breathing patterns helping to reduce stress and increase energy levels. The low-impact rhythmic exercises open and release the centres of the body awakening the senses and energy pathways. The movements naturally assist co-ordination encouraging the use and development of both sides of the brain.

Modern reliance on computers requires us to remain seated for long periods often contributing to poor posture, lower back pain and repetitive strain injuries. For those with problems, especially back pain or alignment issues, the low-impact rhythmic movements make the Gyrotonic system an ideal method of rehabilitation.